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Abstract: This paper describes the trend of utilizing oil palm residue, i.e. the empty fruit bunches (EFB) left after extraction of the palm oil, using a case study of Malaysia, which is one of the world''s major palm oil producers, and discusses the environmental performance of recycling technologies being developed in Malaysia for fuel, fiber, and fertilizer. Seven technologies are analyzed: ethanol production, methane recovery, briquette production, biofuel for combined heat and power (CHP) plants, composting, medium density fiberboard (MDF) production, and pulp and paper production. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method is used to discuss the environmental impacts of these technologies for adding value to this biomass. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to determine the land use effects for the various technologies utilizing EFB and to estimate the energy generation potential of raw EFB in CHP plants and methane production. Among the technologies for energy production, CHP plants have the best performance if the electricity generated is connected to the national grid, with superior benefits in the majority of impact categories compared to briquette, methane, and ethanol production. Overall, we find that methane recovery and composting are more environmentally friendly than other technologies, as measured by reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Pulp and paper, and MDF production are favorable technologies for land use impacts; however, they have intense primary energy requirements, chemical use in the processes, and emissions from their waste treatment systems. Our results provide information for decision makers when planning for sustainable use of oil palm biomass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Malaysia has an abundance of energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable. The largest non-renewable energy resource found in Malaysia is oil, and second, is natural gas, primarily liquefied natural gas. The production and consumption of oil, gas and coal in Malaysia are given in this paper. The energy demand and supply by source are also shown in relation to the country’s fuel diversification policy. In order to reduce the overall dependence on a single source of energy, efforts were undertaken to encourage the utilization of renewable resources. Forest residue and oil palm biomass are found to be potentially of highest energy value and considered as the main renewable energy option for Malaysia. Palm oil and related products represent the second largest export of Malaysia. The total oil palm planted area in Malaysia has increased significantly in recent years. This paper gives a detailed representation of oil palm planted and produced together with its yield from the year 1976 onwards. The large amounts of available forest and palm oil residues resulting from the harvest can be utilized for energy generation and other by-products in a manner that also addresses environmental concerns related to current waste disposal methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper addresses issues on sustainable biomass production for energy in Malaysia. Three biomass demand scenarios, viz. incremental biomass demand, sustainable biomass demand and full biomass demand are introduced. In order to meet these demands, two surplus land availability scenarios (Scenarios I and II) are also introduced. In Scenario I, it is assumed that the area under plantation will remain constant and 100% of surplus land is available for plantation, while Scenario II considers a 25% increase of food production and a reduction of the potential surplus land available by the same proportion. The land area to meet the demands for fuelwood, sawn wood, and industrial wood are estimated and by deducting this area from total surplus land, the land area available for energy plantations are estimated. By subjecting these lands to different forestry and productivity options, sustainable biomass productions for energy are estimated. Each plantation option is also evaluated using the financial viability of the system. By identifying appropriate technologies for electricity generation, the energy potential of biomass produced is estimated. The annual electricity generation potential from incremental biomass demand under land Scenarios I and II are 1.66 and 0.38 TWh yr−1, respectively. There is insufficient surplus land for dedicated energy plantations for both the sustainable biomass demand and full biomass demand scenarios under the two biomass production (land) scenarios. This paper finally discusses the barriers and policy options for energy plantations and recommends some strategies to promote them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The renewable energy (RE) industry in Malaysia began in 2001 in the context of the growing concern about future depletion of conventional fuels and the global environmental concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. The Small Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) is a tool that was first designed to drive the development of the industry based on the abundance of oil palm biomass reserves and other identified renewable energy resources. Due to the slow uptake of this scheme, a new system, the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was introduced in 2011 to stimulate the industry. By considering the deficiencies of the previous scheme, this paper examines the sustainability of the FiT policy framework in steering the future expansion of small-scale biomass renewable energy businesses in Malaysia. Resulting from the evaluation of the current policy settings and a market based appraisal, this work outlines strategies for enhancing the scheme and suggests future studies aimed at improving the flaws in the present system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaysia is the major producer of palm oil in the world. It produces 8.5 million tonnes per year (8.5×106 t y−1) of palm oil from 38.6×106 t y−1 of fresh fruit bunches. Palm oil production generates large amounts of process residues such as fibre (5.4×106 t y−1), shell (2.3×106 t y−1), and empty fruit bunches (8.8×106 t y−1). A large fraction of the fibre and much of the shell are used as fuel to generate process steam and electricity in the palm processing mill itself. However, much is wasted by pile burning in the open air with attendant air pollution, dumped in areas adjacent to the mill, or utilized as manure in the palm oil plantation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to convert these residues into solid fuel. The palm shell and fibre is densified into briquettes of diameter 40, 50 and 60 mm under moderate pressure of 5–13.5 MPa in a hydraulic press. Experiments are carried out to determine density, durability, impact and compressive strength of the briquettes. The heating value, burning characteristics, ash and moisture content are other objects of the study. A relationship between press pressure and the briquette density has been established. The produced briquettes have densities between 1100 and 1200 kg m−3. The briquettes properties are quite good with good resistance to mechanical disintegration, and will withstand wetting. The gross calorific value is about 16.4 MJ kg−1 (maf), and the ash content is about 6% and the equilibrium moisture content is about 12%. Further work is required to acquire complete understanding of the densification process before good quality and durable briquettes could be made free from cracks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]